New Omnia.8X processes 8 stereo streams at once

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New Omnia.8X processes 8 stereo streams at once

Networked I/O enables “Audio Processing on-demand”

28 March 2007, Cleveland Ohio, USA

HD Radio multicasts, streaming Internet audio, independent headphone monitor feeds, remote codecs — there are more audio channels generated in today’s radio facility than ever before. And all of them need processing to maintain audio quality, especially those destined for bit-reduced environments.

The solution? Omnia.8X, the world’s first multiple-instance, networked audio processor. Omnia.8X packs the power of eight discrete three-band stereo Omnia audio processors into a single 2RU chassis, making it possible to provide simultaneous audio processing for multiple sources from around the broadcast plant. With so much power on-call, Omnia.8X opens up new possibilities for broadcasters. For instance, a portion of its resources could be dedicated to multicast or Web audio channels, while the rest is reserved for on-demand processing of in-studio performances, remote broadcasts, or any other audio channel that could benefit from audio processing.

And Omnia.8X is ready for broadcasting’s networked future. It uses the Livewire™ standard for professional networked audio over Ethernet, connecting directly to Axia IP-Audio Networks. When used as part of an Axia network, a single CAT-6 connection carries 8 stereo inputs, 8 stereo outputs, and remote control. For standalone use outside an Axia network, simply pair Omnia.8X with an Axia AES/EBU or Analog Audio Node for studio-quality audio I/O.

Thanks to this flexible, networked architecture, Omnia.8X can help broadcasters dramatically improve audio streams facility-wide. Each of its eight audio processors has three bands of Automatic Gain Control plus Wideband AGC, Omnia’s look-ahead final limiter and Bass Enhancement controls, and factory presets that help broadcasters quickly achieve a clean, smooth “signature sound” with minimal adjustments.

Although Omnia.8X is a natural for reducing artifacts and improving the sound of multiple audio feeds destined for HD Radio, DAB, Internet and satellite channels, its power can be called upon for other uses as well. Applications include:

  • Processing for headphone feeds where off-air monitoring is not possible,
  • Multi-band level control for remote codecs,
  • Sweetening caller audio from broadcast telephone systems,
  • Processing and sending audio streams from a single studio complex to multiple transmitter sites,
  • In-studio musical performances,
  • On-demand processing for production rooms or dubbing stations,
  • HD Radio multicast channels,
  • Network origination audio destined for satellite transmission.

Visitors to NAB 2007 can see Omnia.8X in the Telos / Omnia / Axia display in Booth N7726, and will be available 3rd Quarter 2007 from both Omnia and Axia dealers. Omnia.8X will retail for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $4,995.00 USD.

To find out more about Omnia.8X, contact Angi Roberson at Omnia Audio, or Clark Novak at Axia, +1-216-241-7225, and visit www.OmniaAudio.com or www.AxiaAudio.com.

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Omnia, a Telos company, is world-renowned for its digital audio signal processing expertise. Omnia audio processors for FM, AM, TV, HD Radio & DAB, Internet, and audio production are setting new standards for professional audio quality.

Axia, a Telos company, builds Ethernet-based professional IP-Audio products for broadcast, production, sound-reinforcement and commercial audio applications. Products include digital audio routers, on-air control surfaces, DSP mixers and processors and software for configuring, managing, and interfacing networked audio systems.